Extension for WP- in person application

Good morning all... I am here on a two year work permit, which expires 12-Sep-05.  My employer will be submitting form FLR(IED) on 6-Sep-05.  When they orginally applied for the work permit it took something like 2 1/2 months to come back all clear.  Will the extension take as long?  Also, how much of a pain is it to go down to Croydon and get it done there (except for the extra £170). 

(the reason I need this so quickly is that I'm trying to sort a mortgage out, and they won't start processing until I have that magical 2 year stamp)

i always post and then remember part B of my question.  on workpermits.gov.uk they say that processing times can be seen on their News, Announcements section of their website.  But I can't find it.  Any idea if they actually publish those numbers?

after reading all thsee posts there's confusion weather or not i can apply at the birmingham PEO.  it seems like an easier office to get to (and closer to me).  any insights on whetehr they accept inprson WP applications\?

after reading all thsee posts there's confusion weather or not i can apply at the birmingham PEO.  it seems like an easier office to get to (and closer to me).  any insights on whetehr they accept inprson WP applications\?

I had it in mind that the in-country unit in Sheffield did that and nobody else.  But if it can be done in Birmingham, I'd love to hear about it.  Please advise when you know!

holy moses.  i was on hold with the Birmingham PEO office for 45 minutes!  argh.  Couldn’t handle it anymore.  So I called the Croydon PEO.  After 15 minutes on hold with Croydon- got through.  They told me that ONLY croydon handle FLR(IED) applications.  So… made appointment for next Thursday, August 18th.  10:30am at Croydon.  Think I’m going to drive down- easier- is there amble parking near Croydon? 

There's a great big multi-storey car park right across the street - you use the pedestrian subway to cross over to Lunar House.

thanks peedel! probably cost and arm & a leg but no need ot feed a meter.

holy moses.  i was on hold with the Birmingham PEO office for 45 minutes!  argh.  Couldn’t handle it anymore.  So I called the Croydon PEO.  After 15 minutes on hold with Croydon- got through.  They told me that ONLY croydon handle FLR(IED) applications.  So… made appointment for next Thursday, August 18th.  10:30am at Croydon.  Think I’m going to drive down- easier- is there amble parking near Croydon? 

This is good to know!  Thanks!

Actually, I don't remember it costing that much.  It's one where you take the ticket with you and pay at a dispenser before returning to your car.

Also - there's a Subway just down the street (to the left when you walk out of Lunar House) for a quick lunch idea! 

i've heard there's good shopping in the area- but broke at moment (work is making me pay the difference between £335 - £500 for the visa).  in other posts i've gotten the impression that once you enter the building, you can't leave and reenter. 

No - when we got my ILR, they take all your forms and stuff and then tell you approximately when to come back for the passport.  You can leave, as long as you're back in time and don't miss your number being called.  And you have to be back in by 4pm or else they won't let you in no matter what.

subway here i come. 

Yup - my flatmate both window shopped and brought a good book for her wait.  She said it was a pain but not too much of a hassle.  I'll be doing it in April or May '06 (as long as I get a renewed contract...)

ok so i feel stupid and angry.  i went down to croydon yesterday to hand in my further leave to remain based on work permit.  my employer did not realize (and i stupidly took his word for it) that first a work permit extension (in-country extension) but be granted.  only then can you have a fun day out in croydon.  so now my employer has to submit WP1X, have that accepted, then i have to go back down to croydon and get the FLR(IED) stamp.

the immigration officer coudn't have been nicer about the whole thing, and she even refunded my company's £500.  but i'm really angry at my employer.  thank goodness he's on holiday today otherwise i would have strangled him.

question: with the WP1X do you have to submit your passport?  i'm going on holiday for a week and need passport.  but i'd like my stupid a double scribble pompas arragont employer to submit the extension prompto.

also- will immigration give me hard time b/c i'm coming back into the country with only 2 weeks left on my permit?  can i just expalin that my employer has applied for an extension and we're waiting on that.  the paperwork makes it clear that while an application is being considered you can continue to work. argh!

Guess what was on my desk this morning?!?!?!  A three year extension on my work permit!>!>!  So back to Croydon I go!

So happy- now I can start my mortgage process and buy a house.  Feel like a grown-up.  Scary.